Thursday, February 28, 2013

Bolling Ponders Independent Run for Governor

"To be, or not to be, that is the question:
Whether 'tis Nobler in the mind to suffer
The Slings and Arrows of outrageous Fortune,
Or to take Arms against a Sea of troubles,
And by opposing end them: to die, to sleep
No more."

Hamlet Act 3 scene 1
Well, Hamlet didn't conduct a poll, but Bill Bolling is. The following is a release from the Lt. Governor:

When I suspended my campaign for the Republican Party's nomination for Governor I indicated that I wanted to be a more independent voice for Virginia, speaking out more objectively on the important issues facing our state. Over the past several months, I have done just that. I have sought to call us to a higher purpose, focusing more on policy and less on politics; and more on the next generation than the next election.

The reaction to this more mainstream approach to governing has been amazing. Over the past few months I have been contacted by business and community leaders from all across Virginia and encouraged to re-enter the race for Governor as an Independent Republican, and I have been objectively assessing that possibility.

Let me assure you that I have not entered into these deliberations lightly. I have been a loyal Republican for the past 25 years. No one has done more or sacrificed more for the Republican Party than I have. But quite frankly, this is a challenging time for our party and I'm concerned that our party is headed in the wrong direction. That's why there has been so much interest in an Independent Republican campaign.

It is clear to me that there is a great deal of uneasiness about the candidates the two major political parties appear poised to nominate, and a lot of people in our state are looking for a better option. The people of Virginia want a Governor who will provide mainstream leadership, keep his focus on the big issues facing our state and work with Republicans and Democrats to solve problems and get things done.

Throughout my 22 years of public service I have developed a record of doing just that, and as Governor I will keep my focus on the issues that matter most to our state - continuing the progress we have made in growing our economy and creating jobs and providing more opportunity for our citizens by improving education and addressing other important issues like transportation, public safety and health care.

I think there is an opportunity to make history in Virginia this year. We can send a message about the need to return more civility and a more mainstream approach to politics and governing. I know it won't be easy to win the governorship as an Independent candidate, but with your help I believe it can be done.

Everywhere I have traveled over the past few months I have been encouraged by friends, some former foes and even strangers on the street to run for Governor. People are tired of politics as usual. They know we can do better and they want a more mainstream choice.

And the polls also suggest that there is a great deal of interest in a credible, mainstream, Independent candidate for Governor. Here is the link to a Memorandum from our pollster, John McLaughlin, that summarizes some of the key findings of our internal polling. I think you will agree after reading John's Memorandum that with the proper resources this is a race that can be won.

Two things are clear to me: 1) there is a realistic opportunity in this campaign for a credible Independent candidate, and 2) I can run a credible Independent campaign that can draw strong support from Republicans, Democrats and Independents.

However, I know how difficult independent campaigns can be, and I know I cannot win without the support of the people who have stood with me over the years - people like you. That's why I'm writing to ask for your advice as I make this difficult decision. Here's what I need to know:

First, I need to know if you believe that there is a realistic opening in this campaign for a credible Independent candidate, or, are you satisfied with the choice between Mr. Cuccinelli and Mr. McAuliffe?

Second, I need to know if I can count on your support if I decide to run for Governor as an Independent Republican?

1 comment:

Anonymous
said...

As a former New York State candidate I understand your concerns and yet running for office no matter how great a deed it maybe I found that many will support your hopes for Americas future with all their heart, but many will not support you with their pockets unless you win. They will ask whats in for me? the answer hearkens back to time before before there was the United States of America, a Dream that all men and women should have the opportunity to heard, no matter if they are right or wrong. A dream so big it encompasses all of what America was intended to be and yet by today's standards it has dwindled away only into a song. For you see the Party is for them and when it's all said and done they will once again close their doors on America until they need us to fight a war, tax us some more or ask us to vote for them again.Nevertheless, go with God speed for if you never try you will never succeed or ever win!Respectfully, Edmund M. Dunn

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About Me

I am one of those rare birds who grew up in Fairfax County. I went to George Mason University and majored in government and politics. I started my career in politics as a student volunteer with the Stan Parris for governor campaign in 1989. We didn’t win, but I fell in love with Virginia politics.
As a student at GMU I became active in politics. I was Chairman of the College Republicans, Co-Chairman of Students for Allen, member of the Fairfax County Republican party, and served as a legislative intern for Delegate Dave Albo.
After college I worked for Morton Blackwell at the Leadership Institute. At the Institute I helped train hundreds of conservative activists all across the country.
I also produced a weekly radio feature called 'My Virginia Political Minute' which was carried on the "Neo View" radio show in southwest Virginia. Currently I do lobbying and consulting work in Richmond.